Former 'Doctor Who' star Tom Baker thinks Jodie Whittaker should be killed off if the ratings start to dip when she takes over the leading role at the beginning of next year.

Tom Baker

Tom Baker

The 83-year-old actor - who portrayed the time-travelling alien from 1974 until 1981 - is pleased bosses have decided to cast their first ever female Time Lady in the show because they're experimenting, but thinks if viewers start to lose interest, bosses should immediately write the talented actress out and replace her with a male.

Speaking to The Daily Mirror newspaper: "I think it might be quite nice to have a woman. But you just test it. If the audience don't like it then just kill her off. She doesn't have to be an institution, just because I stayed too long. I don't think anybody knows how it'll go. Nobody has ever failed by the way, nobody has, it's just how it is."

It was announced over the weekend that Jodie - who is best known for playing Beth Latimer in 'Broadchurch' - would take over the keys to the TARDIS when the 12th Doctor Peter Capaldi steps down at the end of the festival special later this year, but the decision to change the Time Lord's sex has been met with a mixed response.

However, Jodie's casting has attracted support from other former Doctors and companions, including Sylvester McCoy who was the seventh actor to land the part.

In a statement released via his outsourced Twitter account, McCoy, 73, said: "Congratulations Jodie Whittaker!!!!! One small step for Women, one Giant leap for Womenkind!! (sic)"

Billie Piper - who played beloved companion Rose Tyler opposite Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston and Tenth Doctor David Tennant - tweeted: "G'wan Jodie !!!! This is amazing news. Well done Dr Who world #drwho #jodiewhittaker #ladiesnight (sic)"

Katy Manning - who was Third Doctor John Pertwee's assistant Jo Grant - tweeted: "Well there you have it tweetiepies ! 13 is named & im sure she will be excellent xxx

"I am thrilled #JodieWhitaker DW13 a fine actress & a great gig xxx

"Well there you have it tweetiepies ! 13 is named & im sure she will be excellent xxx (sic)"

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